Summary

Stephen William Hawking died on 14 March (Albert Einstein's birthday) at the age of 76 after decades of battling the incurable disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His early scientific work transformed our understanding of general relativity, Einstein's theory of gravitation. Later in life, Stephen became an immensely successful popularizer of science; his courage and high spirits in the face of his disability inspired millions. Stephen Hawking's achievements as a scientist, communicator, and public figure were commensurate with his great fame.